Mervin the Magnificent: The Birthday of the Most Beautiful Mandarin Duck

 

Mervin the Magnificent: The Birthday of the Most Beautiful Mandarin Duck

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:
True beauty shines from within and touches everyone it meets. Kindness is the most lasting legacy we can give to our children and grandchildren. A gentle spirit can calm the roughest waters. A generous heart creates joy wherever it goes. The love of a mother and grandmother strengthens families for generations. When you lift others, your light shines the brightest. The most beautiful lives are those lived for others. Celebrating someone special reminds us of the love we carry and share each day.

In the shimmering morning light of Feathered Valley, all the animals were abuzz with excitement. It wasn’t just any ordinary day—it was September 27, the birthday of the most beautiful, most beloved mandarin duck in the world: Mervin the Magnificent, lovingly called Nona by her family.

Mervin wasn’t just known for her elegant plumage that glistened in gold, coral, and sapphire hues. She was celebrated far and wide for her generous heart, her warm laugh, and her ability to make everyone feel like the most important creature in the world. From the smallest chick to the wisest owl, all knew Mervin and loved her.

She had raised three wonderful sons—Charlie, Joseph, and Mathew—each of whom had grown into caring fathers with loving families of their own. Mervin’s heart was full of love not just for her sons, but also for her six treasured grandchildren:

• Chipper, the joyful, bouncing duckling of Charlie and his wife Sara.
• Rice and Mathew, the bright and adventurous ducklings of Ali and Mathew.
• Archer, the curious and clever son of Joseph and Megan.
• And the sweet and spirited sisters, Poppy and Isla, the daughters of Ryan and Christina.

Everyone had gathered in the glen by the lake to throw Nona the most spectacular birthday party ever seen in Feathered Valley.

The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze ruffled the treetops as the party began. Streamers made of soft grasses and colorful flowers lined the trees, and the lake sparkled like a mirror, reflecting all the joy and excitement.

Mathew, Nona’s middle son, had taken on the role of party planner with help from his siblings. “Mom deserves the very best,” he said. “Let’s make this a birthday she’ll never forget.”

All of the grandchildren were preparing something special. Chipper practiced a silly dance that made everyone giggle. Rice and Mathew had written a sweet poem. Archer had carved a tiny wooden heart with her initials on it. And Poppy and Isla were putting together a crown made of the brightest blossoms in the glen.

Just as Nona arrived—gliding gracefully across the water—everyone shouted: “Happy Birthday, Nona!”

Nona smiled, touched by the sight of her entire family and dozens of friends surrounding her with love. Her eyes sparkled with joy.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. The birthday cake! It was a grand cake made of sunflower seed butter and honey, with layers of wild berries and decorated with lily petals. Right in the center were seven candles, one for each decade Nona had graced the world, and four more for the joy she spread with every hug, every smile, and every act of love.

Eleven candles in total.

The crowd gathered close as her family began to sing:

🎶
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Nona,
Happy birthday to you! 🎶

Nona laughed with delight and gently blew out all eleven candles in one breath. Everyone clapped and cheered.

After the cake was shared, the celebration continued. There were games by the lake, songs from the birds in the trees, and a special performance of the poem by Rice and young Mathew:

“To Nona Mervin, so kind and sweet,
With every hug, you make our hearts beat.
You show us how to live and love,
A gift to us from God above.”

Later that afternoon, as the sun dipped low, casting golden light across the valley, Nona sat with her sons, daughters-in-law, and her six grandchildren snuggled close.

“Thank you all,” she said, her voice soft but full. “This day has been the most beautiful day of my life—not because of the cake or the party, but because each of you is here. Family is the greatest gift. And you’ve made me feel more loved than any duck in the world.”

Charlie, Joseph, and Mathew looked at their mom with admiration. Charlie said, “We learned from the best.”

Poppy and Isla each kissed Nona on the cheek, and little Chipper wrapped his tiny wings around her. Archer stood up tall and said, “Nona, you’re our treasure.”

The sun began to set behind the trees, painting the sky in the same soft oranges and blues that adorned Nona’s feathers.

As the family packed up to head home, they lingered for just a few more moments, savoring the warmth of the day and the joy of being together.

And so, in the heart of Feathered Valley, a mandarin duck named Mervin reminded everyone that birthdays aren’t just about presents or cake—they’re about love, gratitude, and the powerful legacy of kindness.

Moral to the Story Poem:
True beauty is found in love and care,
In gentle words and hearts that share.
A grandmother's love, so soft and strong,
Lifts our spirits our whole lives long.
The best gifts are the ones we give,
In how we show the way to live.
With kindness, joy, and laughter, too,
There’s no one in the world like you.